REGARDING the parish of
Whiteness, which lies immediately to the south of that of Weisdale,
there is not much to remark. In the western part of the district the
soil is fertile, owing to the presence of limestone. Two long and narrow
promontories project into the bay of Scalloway. Of these the southern,
called Ustaness, is of by far the greatest importance, being fertile,
populous, and well cultivated. Stromness, the northern, is somewhat
narrower than the other, and can boast of only a few crofts. At its
point stands the neat house of Jackville, than which no better
out-of-the-world residence could be found, even in the Ultima Thule.

The large Loch of Strom,
separated from the Voe of Stromness merely by a bridge, runs
north-eastwards into the country, for. a distance of three miles, until
it loses itself amongst dark hills of gneiss. Over this bridge, which is
supported by several small piers, the county road passes. So important
was it reckoned in former times, that, in the beginning of last century,
a collection was made over the whole Church of Scotland for the repair
of the bridge of Strom. It has lost none of its importance since then,
for were it removed the journey from Lerwick to the western districts of
the country would be immensely lengthened. Several well-tilled portions
of land lie along the western banks of the Loch of Strom. Near the
bridge is the substantial little manor house of the Craigie family; and
somewhat beyond it, the well-built parish kirk stands on a romantic
stance, close to the water; while at the very head of the loch, the
Wesleyans have erected a small chapel, for the benefit of the solitary
crofters inhabiting the remote inland valley of Kuchron. Except that
portion near the bridge, which is enriched by limestone, and well
cultivated, the eastern shores of the loch consist of steep heathery
hills. This fine sheet of water has its surface diversified by several
small holms. On one of them are to be seen the ruins of a stronghold,
where a son of one of the Earls of Orkney is said to have fled from the
wrath of his father. A branch of the great Sinclair family, which, for
many generations, held lands on the banks of this lake, seems to have
produced some men of mark and valour. Dr Hibbert tells us that
“Sinclairof Strom, in 1530, gallantly headed a number of udallers that
composed part of the force which the Governor of Orkney raised in
opposition to the designs of the Scottish Government, when, in favour of
the Earl of Caithness, it was decreed that udal rights should be
exchanged for feudal servility. In this contest the Earl of Caithness
was slain; and in the subsequent reconciliation of the Monarch of
Scotland to the udallers, Edward Sinclair, of Strom, with thirty
companions in arms* received a respite from the King for a nominal term
of nineteen years.”

Whiteness Yoe, which lies
southwards from the ness of Ustaness, affords very good anchorage.
Several good beaches along its shores are taken advantage of as
fishcuring stations. Besides the parish kirk, where a Missionary on the
Royal Bounty regularly officiates, it is provided with a little chapel,
to which preachers of all denominations have access. There is also a
good Society school in the district. The largest proprietors in
Whiteness are the representatives of the late Captain Craigie, of Strom.

Overhanging Whiteness, on
the east, is the high hill of Wormidale—so named from a small waterfall
in the bum beneath—over which the county road passes. From the highest
point of this road a magnificent view of Shetland isles and seas can be
obtained, extending to Foula on the one side, and Whalsay Skerries on
the other.

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